McDonald's used the slogan “You Deserve a Break Today” in the 1970s.
The phrase became one of McDonald's best-known advertising lines after appearing in a major campaign created by Needham, Harper & Steers. It positioned a McDonald's visit as a small reward or pause in a busy day, matching the company's emphasis on convenience and family dining.
The slogan was not the company's first advertising line, and it was eventually replaced by other campaigns. McDonald's advertising history includes short-lived slogans, regional variations, and lines built around specific products, so lists of slogans can differ depending on the market and year.
The wording is often remembered as “You deserve a break,” but the canonical campaign line ends with “Today.” That final word is what distinguishes the famous 1970s slogan from shortened quotations and later paraphrases.